Motor control center unit with retractable stab assembly and methods for using the same

ABSTRACT

A motor control unit (MCU) and methods of operating the same are provided. The MCU includes a housing enclosing a retractable stab assembly (RSA) having stabs attached thereto. The MCU further includes a bracket assembly having a mount for securing the bracket assembly to the RSA, guiderails for slideably engaging the RSA to facilitate the extending and retracting motion, and a lead screw accessible via an opening in the front of the housing. Rotating the lead screw causes the RSA to extend and retract which engages and disengages the stabs. The MCU also includes a motor assembly having a drive motor coupled to a drive shaft. The motor rotates the shaft in response to control signals from a remote-device. The motor assembly attaches to the housing such that the rotation of the shaft in response to the signals rotates the lead screw to engage and disengage the stabs.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of International Application No.: PCT/US2015/19142 filed on Mar. 6, 2015, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the present invention relate generally to motor control centers (MCC), and more particularly, to MCC subunits and related stab assemblies, and methods of using the same.

BACKGROUND

A motor control center is a multi-compartment enclosure comprising a power bus system to distribute electrical power, on a common bus system, to one or more motor control units within the motor control center sections. The motor control units are typically constructed to be removable units that have individual sealed doors on the motor control center section. These motor control units may contain various motor control and motor protection components, such as motor controllers, starters, contactor assemblies, overload relays, circuit breakers, motor circuit protectors, various disconnects, and similar devices for electric motors. The motor control units connect to the supply power lines of the motor control center and supply power to the line side of the motor control devices, for operation of motors. Motor control centers are oftentimes used in factories and industrial facilities which utilize high power electrical motors, pumps, and other loads.

Typically, when installing or removing motor control units, the power supply lines are connected. To remove the motor control units, a door of the motor control unit or motor control center section is opened and an operator manually pulls the motor control unit to separate the conductive contacts or stabs from the bus system, thereby disconnecting the power supply. Installation of a motor control units are accomplished in a similar manner, whereby the operator manually pushes the bucket into a compartment of the motor control center section to engage the stabs with the bus system, thus connecting the system to supply power. In some instances, the stabs may be difficult to maneuver manually (push and pull) when an operator is supporting the entire bucket or when the stabs are not visible. These difficulties may lead to numerous hazards (e.g., shocks/misfires, an arc or arc flash) that may be harmful and dangerous to the operators. It would therefore be desirable to design a motor control unit that overcomes the aforementioned difficulties.

SUMMARY

In an exemplary embodiment, a system for operating a control unit in a motor control center is provided. The system includes a motorized control unit operatively connected to a pendant, and configured to receiving one or more control signals from the pendant. The motorized control unit includes at least a housing adapted to at least partially enclose one or more electrical components therein. The motorized control unit further includes a retractable stab assembly enclosed within the housing. The retractable stab assembly includes a stab housing having one or more stabs extending rearwardly therefrom for engaging a power bus in the motor control center. The stab housing is adapted to slideably engage one or more guide rails within the motorized control unit for extending and retracting the retractable stab assembly, e.g., along an axis of the guiderails. The motorized control unit may further include a lead screw assembly operatively connected to the stab housing. The lead screw assembly includes at least a lead screw rotatable to extend and retract the retractable stab assembly along the guiderails. The motorized control unit further includes a motor assembly selectively attached to a front of the motorized control unit housing and is operatively connected to the retractable stab assembly for extending and retracting the retractable stab assembly in response to the control signals. The motor assembly includes a drive motor operatively coupled to a drive shaft. The drive shaft extends in a rearward direction from the motor assembly to engage the lead screw within the housing. The drive motor is operable to rotate the lead screw, via the drive shaft, in response to the control signals from the pendant, which corresponds to commands initiated at the pendant, via one or more controls of the pendant, by an operator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective exploded view of a motor control center having a motor control unit with retractable stab assembly, in accordance with the disclosure provided herein;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the motor control unit with retractable stab assembly, in accordance with the disclosure provided herein;

FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic, perspective view of an upper panel assembly of the motor control unit, in accordance with the disclosure provided herein;

FIG. 3B illustrates another schematic, perspective view of the upper panel assembly of FIG. 3A with an inaccessible lead screw assembly via the upper panel assembly, in accordance with the disclosure provided herein;

FIG. 3C illustrates a further schematic, perspective view of the upper panel assembly of FIG. 3A with an accessible lead screw assembly, in accordance with the disclosure provided herein;

FIG. 3D illustrates yet a further schematic perspective view of the upper panel assembly of FIG. 3B with a disengaged stab assembly in accordance with the disclosure provided herein;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the motor control unit back panel, in accordance with the disclosure provided herein;

FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic, perspective view, of a lead screw assembly in an engaged position, in accordance with the disclosure provided herein;

FIG. 5B illustrates a schematic, perspective view of the lead screw assembly of FIG. 5A in a disengaged position, in accordance with the disclosure provided herein;

FIG. 6A illustrates a schematic, perspective view of a retractable stab assembly, in accordance with the disclosure provided herein;

FIG. 6B illustrates another schematic, perspective view of the stab assembly of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C illustrates a further schematic, perspective view of the stab assembly of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of a shutter assembly in a closed position, in accordance with the disclosure provided herein;

FIG. 7B illustrates a perspective view of the shutter assembly of FIG. 7A in an open position, in accordance with the disclosure provided herein;

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart for a process of disengaging stabs of a motor control unit, in accordance with the disclosure provided herein;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a remote-controlled system for operating an embodiment of the motor control unit, in accordance with the disclosure provided herein;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a motorized control unit, in accordance with the disclosure provided herein;

FIG. 11 illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of a motor assembly operatively attached to a motor control unit, in accordance with the disclosure provided herein;

FIG. 12 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the motorized control unit, in accordance with the disclosure provided herein;

FIG. 13 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of a motor assembly, e.g., of the motorized control unit, in accordance with the disclosure provided herein;

FIG. 14 illustrates a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the motor assembly, in accordance with the disclosure provided herein; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow chart for a process of disengaging stabs of an exemplary embodiment of the motorized control unit, in accordance with the disclosure provided herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the subject matter herein only and not for limiting the same, FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a motor control center (MCC) 100. The MCC 100 includes one or more MCC sections 110 configured to house one or more motor control units (MCU) 200. The MCC section 110 may be generally rectangular in shape, and includes a plurality of panels arranged to compartmentalize the MCC section 110. For example, each MCC section 110 may include a pair of opposed side panels 112, a top 114 and bottom panel 116, a back panel 118, and one or more intermediate panels 120 arranged such that the panels collectively define one or more openings or compartments 124 adapted for at least partially receiving the MCU 200 therein.

In a further embodiment, the MCC section 110 may include a door panel 122 for encapsulating the MCU 200 within the defined opening of the MCC section 110. The door panel 122 may be one of the panels of the MCU 200. In an embodiment where multiple MCC sections 110 are provided, one or more of the above panels may be common between or across the multiple MCC sections 110. The panels may be constructed from a single piece of material having a common surface (e.g., sheet metal), or a plurality of sheets, frames and interlocking assemblies adapted to selectively mount together for providing a panel-like structure. The frames and interlocking assemblies may be selectively mounted by a fastening means. In an exemplary embodiment, the fastening means may be, for example, one or more screws, nuts and bolts, and rivets applied via mechanical fastening process through one or more apertures and/or connecting points of the sheets, frames, and interlocking assemblies. Alternatively, the fastening means may be applied via a more permanent-like mounting process, e.g., welding. A combination of both processes may also be used to achieve the desired arrangement for panels of the MCC section 110, or for arranging and/or assembling the panels and assemblies described herein. The MCC section 110 may further include one or more power buses 702 (see FIG. 7A) vertically or horizontally arranged at the rear of the MCC section 110, at or proximate to the back panel 118. In a further embodiment, where the one or more power buses 702 is arranged in the back panel 118, the back panel 118 may be a separate power bus housing 700 (see FIG. 7A) as described herein, which may be operably connected to the MCC section 110. The power bus 702 is adapted to interface with one or more components of the MCU 200 for providing power to the same.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, and now FIG. 2, a perspective view of an embodiment of the MCU 200 with retractable stab assembly 500 is provided. The MCU 200 comprises a housing 202 shaped for being at least partially received within the compartment 124 of the MCC section 110. The housing 202 may be made up of one or more panels and/or assemblies configured for removably securing the MCU 200 within the MCC section 110, and to partially or fully enclose one or more components therein. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the MCU 200 can include a front panel 210, a back panel 220, a lower panel 230, and an upper panel 240. Similar to the panels of the MCC section 110, the panels of the MCU 200 may be made from a single piece of material or plurality of frames and/or interlocking assemblies selectively mounted to one another by the fastening means discussed herein, or by any means known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. When assembled, the panels of the housing 202 may define a shape (e.g., generally rectangular) adapted to be removably secured within the MCC section 110, and to have one or more electrical components and/or assemblies mounted therein. Examples of electrical components may include, among other assemblies that will be discussed below, a contactor or a solid-state motor controller, overload relays to protect the motor, fuses or a circuit breaker to isolate a motor circuit, or combinations thereof.

With continue reference to the figures, the front panel 210 may include one or more openings arranged in a non-uniform or uniform manner, and for at least partially receiving therebetween one or more assemblies. FIG. 2 illustrates a switch assembly opening (not shown) having a switch assembly 300 at least partially installed therebetween, and a motor assembly opening (not shown) for receiving, e.g., an embodiment of a panel assembly 350 partially installed therebetween. Additional openings may also be provided for at least partially receiving a fastening means therebetween for selectively mounting the front panel 210 to one or more of the other panels of the MCU 200. In one embodiment, the openings may be one or more fastening apertures 216 or recesses extending at least partially through the front panel 210 for receiving the fastening means, and arranged to correspond with fastening apertures and/or recesses of the other panels. The fastening apertures 216 may include a threaded portion that corresponds to a threaded portion of the fastening means (e.g., threaded screw).

In a further embodiment, the front panel 210 may include a lead screw access opening 218 for providing access to a lead screw assembly 600, for example, when the front panel 210 is in a closed position. In an exemplary embodiment, the lead screw access opening 218 may be its own opening in the front panel 210, or in a further embodiment, an opening in a drive panel 352 of the panel assembly 350. In yet a further embodiment, the front panel 210 may include an indicator opening 232 for viewing one or more status indications for the MCU 200, e.g., engaged or disengaged stabs status, live unit status, lock status etc. Similar to the lead screw access opening 218, the indicator opening 232 may be its own opening on the front panel 210, or an opening on one or more assemblies, e.g., switch assembly 300. The front panel 210 may further include one or more hinge assemblies 222 for mounting one side of the front panel 210 to one of the side panels (not shown) of the MCU 200, a structure of the MCC section 110, or in certain configurations, both.

As previously disclosed, the drive panel 352 may include one or more openings for providing access to the lead screw 610. The drive panel 352 may further include additional openings, for example, fastening apertures for fastening the drive panel 352 to the front panel 210 or other panels of the MCU 200. The panel assembly 350 may further include one or more panel covers 354 for covering the openings of the drive panel 352. For example, FIG. 2 shows one panel cover 354 for covering the lead screw access opening 218. The panel cover 354 may include one or more openings 356 for at least partially receiving a fastening means therebetween, and for slideably mounting the panel cover 354 to the drive panel 352 or front panel 210.

With continued reference to the figures, the switch assembly 300 may include a switch panel 302 having a switch opening 304 for at least partially receiving a switch 310 therebetween. The switch panel 302 may include additional openings similar to the openings of the drive panel 352, e.g., fastening apertures for fastening the switch panel to the front panel 210, indicator openings 232 or lead screw access openings 218. The switch 310 may be operably connected to a switch control board, circuit breaker, or the like, having one or more components for powering on/off one or more electrical components of the MCU 200. For example, as described herein, in one embodiment, the switch 310 may control the operability any motor attached to the MCU 200 by controlling limiting motors ability to rotate the lead screw 610 to extend or retract the stab assembly 500.

In a further embodiment, the switch 310 may be operably connected to one or more components, frames or interlocks in an upper panel assembly 400 (FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the switch assembly 300 may include one or more frames or interlocks (not shown) selectively attached or fastened by a fastening means to one or more frames or interlocks of the upper panel assembly 400 for shifting the upper panel assembly 400 from a first position to a second position. For example, when the switch 300 is in the live position, access to the lead screw 610 is restricted with the upper panel assembly 400 in the first position (FIG. 3B), whereas access to the lead screw 610 is provided with the switch in the off/dead position and the upper panel assembly 400 in the second position (FIG. 3C).

Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3D, an embodiment of the upper panel 240 is provided of the MCU 200 is provided. The upper panel 240 may be formed from a single-piece of material in one embodiment, e.g., sheet metal, or in another embodiment, or a combination of both. In an embodiment where the upper panel 240 is formed from one or more frames and interlocking assemblies coupled together, the one or more frames and interlocking assemblies coupled together make up the upper panel assembly 400. The upper panel assembly 400 may be configured such that at least a portion thereof is operably moveable from a first position to a second position, e.g., upwards or downwards. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the upper panel assembly 400 includes a first support bracket 402 comprising a first portion 404, a second intermediate portion 406, and a third portion 408. The first portion 404 and third portion 408 are connected via the second intermediate portion 406, and at least partially extends in a first direction, e.g., downwardly, beyond the second intermediate portion 406.

In one embodiment, the first 404, second 406, and third portion 408 may be individual frames or interlocks connected via, for example, a fastening means as described herein, or in another embodiment, the portions may be integral formed. In a further embodiment, the portions may be formed from a single piece of material have one or more bends (i.e., bent portions) defining the first 404, second 406, and third portions 408. The first portion 404, second portion 406, and third portion 408 can further include one or more fastening apertures adapted to receive a fastening means therebetween for operably coupling the upper panel assembly 400 to one or more other frames or assemblies of the MCU 200, for example, the switch assembly 300.

The first portion 404 may further include a first extension 410. The first extension 410 may be positioned substantially perpendicular to the first portion 404, such that it extends in a rearward direction from the first portion 404 towards the back panel 220. The first extension 410 may be formed from the same piece of material as the first portion 404, or coupled to the first portion 404 by a fastening means. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the first extension 410 can be formed from the same piece of material, and is bent in a substantially rearward direction from the first portion 404. The first extension 410 may further include a first restrictor piece 412. The first restrictor piece 412 may extend substantially perpendicularly to the first extension 410 in an upward direction e.g., protruding upwardly. As shown exemplarily in FIG. 3A, the first restrictor piece 412 extends from one side of the first extension 410. The first restrictor piece 412 may be formed from the same piece of material as the first extension 410, or be coupled to the first extension 410 by a fastening means, or any other means known to persons having ordinary skill in the art. In an embodiment where the first extension 410 and the first restrictor piece 412 are formed from the same piece of material, the first restrictor piece 412 may be bent to the desired substantially perpendicular position. In operation, for example, when the MCU 200 is live (i.e., the stabs 520 are engaged), the first restrictor piece 412 may be operably adapted to limit or restrict movement of the MCU 200 from the MCC section 110.

The third portion 408 may include a means for accessing a lead screw 610. As shown in FIG. 3A, the means for accessing the lead screw can be an access bracket 414 having one or more access bracket openings 416 adapted or sized to provide access to the lead screw 610, or in a further non-limiting embodiment, for receiving e a lead screw tool (not shown) for adjusting the lead screw 610 at least partially therebetween. The access bracket 414 may be made from one or more frames selectively attached to form the access bracket 414, as shown in FIG. 3A, or the access bracket 414 may be made from a single piece of material, similar to the material of the third portion 408. The access bracket 414 may be selectively attached to the third portion 408 by the fastening means disclosed herein or by any means known to person of ordinary skill in the art. Additionally, the access bracket 414 may be integrally formed with at least a portion of the third portion 408. As used herein, integrally formed means to couple such that the pieces are relatively permanently joined. In one embodiment, the access bracket 414 may extend in a generally downward direction, opposite from the direction of the first restrictor piece 412. Additionally, the access bracket 414 may be bent such that at least a portion of the access bracket 414, i.e., a first bent portion 418, extends in a substantially rearward direction towards the back panel 220. The access bracket 414 may be bent further, i.e., includes a second bend, such that at least a portion of the access bracket 414 i.e., the second bent portion 420, extends in a substantially upward, similar to the direction of the first restrictor piece 412. This second bent portion 420 of the access bracket may be operable to restrict movement of the stab assembly 500 in instances where the stabs 520 may be partially engaged.

In operation, at least a portion of the upper panel assembly 400 (e.g., access bracket 414) can shift in a relatively upwards or downwards direction for aligning the access bracket opening 416 with the lead screw access opening 218. Shifting of the access bracket 414 may correspond to the live/dead status of the MCU 200, i.e., turning on or off the switch 310. For example, when an installed MCU 200 is in the live status, i.e., the switch 310 is on, the upper panel assembly 400 may in a first position to restrict movement of the MCU 200 and limit access to the lead screw assembly 600. When an operator switches off the switch 310, at least a portion of the upper panel assembly 400 may shift from a first position (FIG. 3B) to a second position (FIG. 3C), thereby providing access to the lead screw assembly 600, and allowing for the MCU 200 to be removed once the stabs 520 are disengaged.

Referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view of an embodiment of the back panel 220 of the MCU 200 is illustrated. The back panel 220 may be constructed from a material similar to that of the other panels of the MCU 200, and may include a plurality of openings, e.g., apertures, for receiving a means for selectively attaching (e.g., the fastening means) the back panel 220 to one or more of the other panels of the MCU 200. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the back panel 220 includes an upper portion 222 and a lower portion 224. The upper portion 222 and lower portion 224 may be formed from a single piece of material, or be formed from multiple pieces of materials connected to one another by, for example, the fastening means disclosed herein. In either configuration of the back panel 220, single or multi-piece construction, the upper portion 222 may include an opening 226 adapted for at least partially having the stab assembly 500 extending outward therefrom. In one embodiment, the stab assembly 500 may be the upper portion 222 of the back panel 220, and may be selectively fastened to the lower portion 224 by the fastening means described herein, or by any means known to persons of ordinary skill in the art and capable of selectively attaching the stab assembly 500 to the lower portion 224.

It should be appreciated that the openings 226 defined for the stab assembly 500 in the MCU 200, or more particularly, the back panel 220, may be the same size regardless of the size of the MCU 200, e.g., a 12 inch tall, 24 inch tall unit, etc. That is, while the dimensions, e.g., height, width, depth, of the MCU 200 may differ, the openings 226 for any size MCUs 200 may be the same, which allows for the modular retractable stab assembly 500 to be mass produced. It should further be appreciated that the upper panel assembly 400 (FIG. 3A) or other sub-assembly disclosed herein may also be mass produced to fit any size MCU 200.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6C, an embodiment of a means for electrically disconnecting the MCU 200 from one or more power buses 702 in shown. The means for electrically disconnecting the MCU 200, in an exemplary embodiment, may be the retractable stab assembly 500. The stab assembly 500 may include a stab housing 510 having one or more openings or slots 512 adapted to at least partially receive therein or have attached thereto one or more conductive contacts or stabs 510 (FIG. 6B). The stab housing 510 may be made from a rigid polymer having electrical properties, or any material known to persons of ordinary skill in the art and capable of having one or more stabs 520 fixedly attaching thereto. The stab housing 510 may be formed from a first housing section 514 having one or more fastening apertures or recesses (not shown) for removably attaching one or more stabs thereto, and a second housing section 516 adapted to at least partially mate with the first housing section 514. The second housing section 516 is the outermost portion of the stab housing 510, and may be frictionally fitted to the first housing section 514, or selectively attached thereto via a fastening means. The second housing section 516 may further include a means for accessing a power bus.

The means for accessing a power bus may be a access shoulder 518 extending in a rearward direction from one side of the stab housing 510, e.g., the second housing section 516 in FIG. 6C, and be adapted to operatively engage at least a portion of a shutter assembly 710 (FIG. 7A) for moving one or more shutters of the shutter assembly 710 from a first closed position (FIG. 7B) to a second open position (FIG. 7A) to allow for one or more stabs 520 to engage with a corresponding power bus 702.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A-B, the stab assembly 500 may further include a lead screw bracket assembly or lead screw bracket 550. In one embodiment, the lead screw bracket 550 may be a single-piece of material having one or more bends defining a first portion 552, second portion 554, and third portion 556, selectively coupled to a mounting plate 560. In a further embodiment, the first 552, second 554, and third portion 556, can be formed from separate pieces selectively attached to one another by, e.g., a fastening means, or be integrally formed as described herein.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the first 552, second 554, and third portions 556 are formed from a single piece of material bent in a manner to define the first 552, second 554, and third portions 556. The first portion 552 may have a length greater than the second 554 and third portions 556, and may be attached to the mounting plate 560, mounting bracket 570, or both. The second portion 554 may be disposed between the first 552 and third portion 556, and includes a lead screw opening 558 adapted for at least partially receiving a lead screw 610 therebetween. The third portion 556 extends rearwardly from the second portion 554, and may be arranged substantially parallel to the first portion 552. The mounting plate 560 may be formed from a similar material to the lead screw bracket 550, and may include one or more fastening apertures 562 for selectively attaching the mounting plate 560 to the mounting bracket 570. The mounting plate 560 may be attached to the mounting bracket 570 by any of the fastening means described herein, or by other means known to persons having ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, the mounting plate 560 may have a thickness equal to or greater that the thickness of the mounting bracket 570, for providing support for the lead screw support bracket 550. However, it should be appreciated that a thinner mounting plate 560 may be used depending on engineering requirements for the MCU 200, and chosen with sound judgment.

The stab assembly 500 may include one or more guide rail brackets 580 for selectively attaching the stab assembly 500 to the back panel 220, and slideably engaging the mounting bracket 570. In an exemplary embodiment, the guide rail bracket 580 may include one or more bent portions defining a guide rail bracket upper portion 582, and a guide rail bracket lower portion 584. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the guide rail bracket upper portion 582 may include a means for slideably engaging one or more stabs, i.e., one or more guide rails 590 extending rearwardly therefrom for slideably engaging the mounting bracket 570, and lower portion 584 may be adapted to interface or be mounted to the back panel 220 for securing the guide rail bracket 580 to the back panel 220. The guide rails 590 may be generally cylindrical, and adapted to be at least partially inserted between one or more openings (not shown) of the mounting bracket 570 for slideably engaging the mounting bracket 570 along the guide rails 590. In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, two guide rail brackets 580 are shown, with each guide rail bracket 580 having a pair of guide rails 590 extending rearwardly from a side of the guide rail brackets 580. The guide rail brackets 580 may include one or more openings 585 for at least partially receiving a fastening means therebetween, and for selectively mounting the guide rails 590 to the guide rail brackets 580. In a further embodiment, the guide rails 590 may be integral with the guide rail brackets 580, or be formed as a single piece.

The guide rails 590 may be selectively attached to the back panel 220 by one or more guide rail holders 592 (FIG. 6B). The guide rail holders 592 may have one or more bent portions defining at least a holder first potion 593 and a holder second portion 594. The holder first portion 593 may include an opening for at least partially receiving the guide rail 590 therebetween. The guide rail 590 may be selectively secured to the holder 592 by weld or any other means known to persons of ordinary skill in the art, and capable of securing the guide rail 590 to the holder 592. The guide rail holder second portion 594 may be adapted to interface with the upper portion 222 the back panel 220 to provide further support for selectively securing the stab assembly 500 to the back panel 220. In the embodiment of FIG. 6B, each guide rail 590 is shown having at least one guide rail holder 592 attached thereto for securing the same to the upper portion 222. It should be appreciated, that the guide rail holder 592 may be utilized for securing the guide rail 590, and not for restricting the slideable engagement between the guide rails 590 and the mounting bracket 570.

With continue reference to FIG. 5A, an exemplary embodiment of a lead screw assembly 600 is shown. The lead screw assembly 600 may comprise a lead screw 610 having a body portion 615 and a head portion, and one or more nuts or stoppers (630, 632) for limiting axial movement of the retractable stab assembly 500. The body portion 615 may be any shape, and have at least a portion thereof threaded for interfacing with a threaded portion of the stoppers (630, 632). In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the body portion 615 is generally cylindrical, however, the body portion 615 may be any polygon shape known in the art. The head 620 may also be generally cylindrical or any polygon shape, and includes one or more voids or recesses 622 adapted to interface with a lead screw tool (not shown) or an actuating device (not shown). As shown in FIG. 5A, the void 622 defines a first head portion 624 and a second head portion 626. The void 622 may be non-uniform or uniform around the perimeter of the head 620, and may be adapted or sized such that at least a portion thereof is adapted to at least partially receives a potion of a first lead screw head support bracket 440 and a second lead screw head support bracket 442 (FIG. 3B) therebetween, for providing support for the lead screw assembly 600.

The first 440 and second 442 lead screw head brackets may be part of the lead screw assembly 600, or as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3B, a part of the upper panel assembly 400. The first 440 and second 442 lead screw head support brackets may include one or openings for operably connecting to one or more adjacent panels of the MCU 200, or as shown in FIG. 3D, the upper assembly panel 400. The first lead screw head support bracket 440 may further include one or more bends defining a first upper portion 444 and second lower portion 445. The first upper portion 444 may be adapted to selectively attach the same to a structure in the upper panel assembly 400, e.g., via a fastening means. The structure may be moveable or fixed. The second lower portion 445 may be adapted to selectively attach the same to one or more openings in the second lead screw head support bracket 442. In one embodiment, the first 440 and second 442 lead screw brackets may include at least a portion thereof having a polygonal or arcuate profile adapted to interface with the void 622, such that vertical and or horizontal movement of the head 620 may be limited. Similar to the first lead screw head support bracket 440, the second lead screw head support bracket 442 may include one or more bends defining at least a first bend portion 446 and a second bend portion 447. In the embodiment of FIG. 3C, the first bend portion 446 may include one or more openings for receiving a fastening means at least partially therebetween for selectively attaching the second lead screw head support bracket 442 to the first lead screw head support bracket 440.

The second bend portion 447 may further include one or more openings adapted for receiving a fastening means therebetween, or as shown in FIG. 3D, at least a portion of an indicator assembly 470 therebetween. Status indicators of the indicator assembly 470 may be viewed via the indicator opening 232. The indicator assembly 470 may be formed from a single-piece of material, or be formed from a plurality of frames selectively attached together by any of the fastening means described herein. The indicator assembly 470 may include a first indicator portion 472 having status indications (e.g., live, engaged, disengaged, dead etc.) for providing the status of the MCU 200, and a second indicator portion 474 adapted to operationally shift from a first position to a second position which may correspond with the shifting of at least a portion of the upper panel assembly 400, e.g., the access bracket 414.

The stoppers (630, 632) may be made from a metallic material similar to that of the lead screw body, or any material known to persons of ordinary skill in the art and adaptable to restrict movement of the lead screw 610 and/or stab assembly 500. The stoppers (630, 632) may also include a threaded portion corresponding with the threaded portion of the lead screw 610. The first stopper 630 may have a similar configuration to that of the second stopper 632.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B, at least one of the stoppers (630, 632), may be operably adapted to axially shift along the body portion 615 of the lead screw 610 when the stab assembly 500 shifts from a first engaged position (see FIG. 5A) to a second disengaged position (see FIG. 5B). The first stopper 630 and the second 632 may abut one another when the stab assembly 500 is in the engaged position (FIG. 5A), and be spaced apart when the stab assembly 500 is in the disengaged position (FIG. 5B). The first stopper 630 may be selectively mounted to the second portion 554 of the lead screw support bracket 550, e.g., via fastening means or welding, such that movement of the stab assembly 500 corresponds with the movement of the first stopper 630 along the axis of the lead screw. The second stopper may include a restrictor plate 634 mounted at one end of the second stopper 632 to restrict axial movement of the second stopper 632 along the lead screw 610. For example, the restrictor plate 634 in FIG. 5B may limit the lead screw 610 from extending beyond the restrictor plate 634 by not including an opening or having an opening with a smaller size (e.g., smaller diameter) that the diameter of the body portion 615.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-B, front perspective views of a shutter assembly 710 are provided. The shutter assembly 710 may include a shutter plate 712 operably coupled to an access bracket assembly 720. The shutter plate 712 may include one or more fastening apertures 714 adapted for slideably mounting the shutter assembly 710 to the power bus housing 700. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A-B, the shutter plate 712 includes at least four (4) fastening apertures 714 slideably mounting the shutter plate 712 to the power bus housing 700. The shutter plate 712 may further include one or more shields 716 for blocking access to one or more corresponding power buses 702 within the power bus housing 700 in a first position, e.g., a closed position. The shutter plate 712 further include one or more power bus apertures 718 that may be offset from the fastening apertures 714 for providing access to the power buses 702 in a second position, e.g., an open position. The power bus apertures 718 may be generally spaced an equidistance apart, and may be shaped/adapted to at least partially receive a stab 520 therebetween for interfacing with the power bus 702.

With continued reference to FIGS. 7A-B, the access bracket assembly 720 may further include an access bracket panel 722 having one or more access bracket frame fastening apertures (not shown) for selectively mounting the access bracket panel 722 to the power bus housing 700, or a structure proximate to the power bus housing 700. The access bracket panel 722 may include one or more grooves (not shown) adapted to slideably engage a means for moving the shutter plate 712 from the first position to the second position. In one embodiment, the means for moving the shutter plate 712 may be a biasing member (not shown), for example, a spring loaded mechanism configured for shifting the shutter plate 712 from the first position to the second position. The access bracket assembly 720 may further include an extender piece 724 adapted to interface with at least a portion of the stab assembly 500, e.g., the access arm or shoulder 518, for moving the shutter plate from a closed position to an open position when extending the retractable stab assembly 500 towards to the power bus housing 700 for engaging one or more stabs 520 with one or more corresponding power buses 702. In operation, the interfacing between the access shoulder 518 and the extender piece 724 may cause a spring of the spring mechanism to compress as the shutter plate 712 moves from the closed position to the open position.

With reference now to FIG. 8, an embodiment of a method 1000 for servicing a motor control unit is provided. It should be appreciated that following steps are not required to be performed in any particular order, and are hereby provided for exemplary purposes. For example, steps for disengaging one or more stabs may not be necessary where the stabs were previously disengaged, and/or where a motor control unit has previously been removed from its compartment.

In step 1010, moving the switch 310 from a first on position to a second off position. In this step, by moving the switch to the off position, power to one or more electrical components within the motor control unit may be interrupted. In an exemplary embodiment, moving the switch 310 to the second position may shift at least a portion of the upper panel assembly, e.g., the first support bracket 402, in a downwards direction thereby providing access to the lead screw 610 via the access bracket 414. In step 1020, disengaging the stabs 520 from the power bus 702. In embodiments where the motor control unit includes fixed stabs, pulling out the motor control unit via a handle, for example, may disengage the stabs. In embodiments where the MCU 200 includes the retractable stab assembly 500, the step of disengaging the stabs may include the step of: inserting at least a portion of a lead screw tool into the opening 416, and shifting (e.g., rotating) the lead screw 610 from a first position to a second position, thereby retracting the stab assembly 500 in a direction towards the front panel 210, and disengaging the stabs 520 from the power bus 702.

In step 1030, removing the MCU 200 from the MCC section 110. As previously described, in embodiments of the motor control units having fixed stabs, removing the motor control unit may inherently disengage the stabs. In step 1040, disassembling the stab assembly. In step 1050, installing the retractable stab assembly 500 in the MCU 200. In step 1060, at least partially inserting the MCU 200 having the retractable stab assembly 500 into the compartment of the MCC section 110, and engaging one or more stabs 520 with the power bus 702. In this step, engaging the one or more stabs may be accomplished by extending the stab assembly 500 rearwardly by, for example, rotating the lead screw 610 in an engaging direction.

With continued reference to the figures and now FIG. 9, an exemplary embodiment of a remote-controlled system 10 for operating an embodiment of the MCU 200 is provided. The system 10 may include a remote-device or pendant 20 operatively connected to one or more embodiments of a motorized MCU 200, i.e., a motorized control unit 800. The connection 15 between the pendant 20 and the motorized control unit 800 may be wired, via one or more cables, or wireless, via one or more wireless transceiver of the motorized control unit 800 and the pendant 20.

In one embodiment, the pendant 20 may include a memory (not shown) for storing executable instructions, e.g., instructions to activate and deactivate the motorized control unit 800, and a processing circuit operable to execute the stored instructions. The pendant 20 may further include one or more buttons or control knobs 24 for operating the motorized control unit 800. In operation, shifting the button or knob 24 may cause the processing circuit to execute instructions corresponding to the shift, e.g., a shift in the first direction may activate the motorized control unit 800, while a shift in a second direction may deactivate the motorized control unit 800. It should be appreciated, that execution of the instructions may generate control signals which are transmitted to the motorized control unit 800 for operating the same. The control signals may be transmitted to the motorized control unit 800 via one or more cables in a wired connection or via the wireless transceiver in a wireless network environment. The pendant may further include one or more indicators 22 for identifying a status of the motorized control unit, i.e., whether the motorized control unit 800 is active (stabs engaged) or inactive (stabs disengaged). The pendant 20 may also include a display 26 for displaying the status of the motorized control unit 800.

With reference to FIG. 10, an embodiment of the motorized control unit 800 is provided. The motorized control unit 800 may be similar to the MCU 200 in that in may include a housing 802 adapted to at least partially enclose one or more electrical components therein, e.g., the switch assembly 300, upper panel assembly 400, retractable stab assembly 500, and lead screw assembly 600. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, in addition to the sub assemblies, the motorized control unit 800 comprise a motor assembly 900 operatively connected to a front panel of the housing 802.

The motor assembly 900 may include a drive motor 910 operatively connected to a drive shaft 920 and power adapter 930. The power adapter 930 may include one or more openings adapted to receive one or more cables for operating the motor assembly 900. The cables may be cables operatively connected to the pendant 20 for facilitating the transmission of the control signals to drive the drive motor 910. Additional cables may also be operatively connected to the power module 930 for connecting to a power source for powering the electrical components within a housing 902 of the motor assembly 900, e.g., the drive motor 910. In yet a further embodiment, the motor assembly 900 may be powered by a battery or other means for powering a drive motor 910 known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. In yet a further embodiment, the power adapter 930 may include a wireless transceiver for facilitating the wireless communication between the pendant 20 and the motor assembly 900.

With continued reference to the figures and now FIGS. 11-14, the drive motor 910 may be operatively connected to the pendant 20 for receiving control signals for providing a motive force to rotate the drive shaft 920 in multiple directions to operate the motorized control unit 800. In an exemplary embodiment, the drive shaft 920 may extend rearwardly from the housing 902 such that the drive shaft 920 interfaces with the lead screw 610. In yet a further embodiment, the housing 902 may include back plate 904 with a drive shaft opening 906 adapted for the drive shaft 920 to extend at least partially therethrough for interface with the lead screw 610 when the motor assembly 900 is attached to the motorized control unit 800. It should be appreciated, in a further embodiment, that one or more seals or adapters may be provided at the drive shaft opening 906 for interfacing with or supporting the drive shaft 920 extending rearwardly therefrom. The housing 902 may further include one or more mounting brackets 908 disposed on opposite sides of the housing 902 for selectively attaching the motor assembly 900 to the front of the housing 802.

In one embodiment, the mounting brackets 908 may include a recess having an arcuate profile for interfacing with one or more mounting arm (not shown) on the front of the housing 802 for attaching the motor assembly. It should be appreciated that in addition to or in lieu of the recess, the mounting brackets 908 may further include an aperture or hole for receiving fasteners for securing the motor assembly 900 to the housing 802, via a corresponding aperture adapted for receiving the fasteners. In yet a further embodiment, the mounting brackets 908 may be attached to or integrally formed with the back plate 904 for attaching the motor assembly 900 to the motorized control unit 800. A handle 940 may also be provided at an upper portion of the housing 902 for facilitating the attaching and removal of the motor assembly 900 from the housing 802.

In yet a further embodiment, the operability of the motor assembly 900 may correspond with the functionality of the switch assembly 300, and more particularly, the switch 310, and e.g., whether or not it is in an on or off position. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, an operator may not be able to switch the switch assembly 300 on unless the retractable stab assembly is fully retracted or extended. Additionally, the switch 310 may also not be moveable to the on position if the lead screw 610 is being rotated, e.g., by the drive shaft or any external tool. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, no access to the lead screw access opening 218 may be provided if the switch is in the on position, thus the motor assembly 900 may not be able to attach to the front of the housing 802 because the drive shaft 920 may not have access to the lead screw 610 with a closed/blocked lead screw access opening 218.

With continued reference to the figures, the drive shaft 920 may extend rearwardly beyond the back of the housing 902 or back plate 904 to allow for the drive shaft 920 to be at least partially inserted into the lead screw access opening 218. Once the drive shaft is inserted into the lead screw access opening 218, the drive shaft may interface or engage the lead screw 610 such that rotation of the drive shaft 920, via the drive motor 910, causes the lead screw 610 to rotate, which extends and retracts the retractable stab assembly 500 to engage and disengage the stabs. In yet a further embodiment, the drive shaft 920 may be used in lieu of the lead screw 610 in that the drive shaft 920 may extend at least partially through the lead screw opening 558 for attaching the extended drive shaft 920 to the stoppers 630, 632, for limiting axial movement of the retractable stab assembly 500 in operation.

With reference now to FIG. 15, a flow chart for a method 1500 of disengaging stabs of an exemplary embodiment of the motorized control unit is provided. It should be appreciated that following steps are not required to be performed in any particular order, and are hereby provided for exemplary purposes.

In step 1510, the drive motor 910 is initiated, via the pendant 20, to engage the stabs of the retractable stab assembly 500. It should be appreciated that if the motor assembly 900 has not been previously attached to the motorized control unit 800, or more particularly the housing 802, an operator may attach the motor assembly 900, e.g., using the handle 940, to the housing 802 prior to initiating the drive motor 910. It should further be appreciated, as described herein, that before attaching the motor assembly 900, the motorized control unit 800 switch 310 should be in the off position, which allows for the drive shaft 920 to extend through the lead screw access opening 218 to engage the lead screw 610. Upon attaching the motor assembly 900, the operator may initiate the drive motor 910 by selecting a button or shifting the knob 24 in a first direction to extend the retractable stab assembly 500 rearwardly towards the power bus 702 to engage the stabs with the power bus 702. Shifting the knob 24 may cause the processing circuit of the pendant 20 to execute instructions for rotating the drive shaft 920 and to generate control signals corresponding to the instructions. The control signals may then be transmitted to the motor assembly 900, or more particularly the drive motor 910, from the pendant 20, which rotates the drive shaft 920 in a first direction to engage the stabs with the power bus 702. In this embodiment, rotation of the drive shaft 920 causes the lead screw 610 to rotate, which results in the retractable stab assembly 500 shifting along the guide rails 590 in a direction to engage the stabs.

Once the stabs are engaged, in step 1520, a confirmation of the successful engagement may be transmitted from the motorized control unit 800 to the pendant 20 and displayed, e.g., on the display 26. The successful engagement/connection confirmation from the motor assembly 900 may be based on or results from, e.g., the lead screw 610 no longer being rotated in the engaging direction, i.e., the lead screw 610 has stop rotating in a direction extending the retractable stab assembly 500 towards the power bus 702. It should also be appreciated that the lead screw 610 no longer rotating in the disengaging direction may be indicative of the retractable stab assembly being in the fully retracted position and the stabs being disengaged from the power bus 702. It should further be appreciated that other circuitry may be provided and activated upon the retractable stab assembly 500 being in a fully extended and engaged position, or fully retracted and disengaged position. The circuitry may then transmit this information, i.e., the assembly is fully extended, as an engagement signal to the connected pendant 20 for engagement confirmations, and as a disengagement signal for disengagement confirmations.

In step 1530, the operator may then remove the motor assembly 900, e.g., via the handle 940, from the motorized control unit 800, or more particularly, the housing 802, and upon receiving the engagement signal from the motorized control unit 800 or motor assembly 900. In a further embodiment, to disengage the motorized control unit 800, in step 1540, the operator may switch the switch 310 to the off position, which provides access to the lead screw 610, via the lead screw access opening 218 being available with the switch 310 in the off position. The operator may then attach the motor assembly 900 to the housing 802 such that the drive shaft 920 extends through the lead screw access opening 218 and interfaces with the lead screw 610. The operator may then begin retracting the retractable stab assembly 500 to disengage the stabs from the power bus 702. To begin retracting the stab assembly 500, the operator may select a button or shift the knob 24 which may generate and transmit a disengage control signal from the pendant 20 to the motor assembly 900 which causes the drive motor 910 to rotate the lead screw 610, e.g., by way of the drive shaft 920, in a direction opposite the engagement direction or a further direction, which retracts the retractable stab assembly 500 away from the power bus 702 along an axis of the guiderails.

It should be appreciated that one button or knob 24 may be used on the pendant 20 for extending or retracting the retractable stab assembly 500. It should further be appreciated that a further signal may be transmitted from the motorized control unit 800 or motor assembly 900 to the pendant 20 identifying that the motorized control unit 800 is disengaged, i.e., the disconnection between the stabs and the power bus 702 is complete. Once the stabs have been disengaged from the power bus 700, the motor assembly 900 may be removed from the motorized control unit 800, via the handle 940.

While specific embodiments have been described in detail, those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and alternative to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. For example, elements described in association with different embodiments may be combined. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or disclosure, which are to be given the full breadth of the appended claims, and any and all equivalents thereof. It should be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having”, are open-ended and does not exclude other elements or steps; and the use of articles “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. 

We claim:
 1. A system for operating a control unit in a motor control center comprising: a pendant; a motorized control unit operatively connected to the pendant and configured to receiving control signals from the pendant, the motorized motor control unit comprising: a housing adapted to at least partially enclose one or more electrical components therein; a retractable stab assembly enclosed within the housing and including one or more stabs for engaging a power bus in the motor control center; and a motor assembly selectively attached to a front of the housing and operatively connected to the retractable stab assembly for extending and retracting the retractable stab assembly in response to the control signals for engaging and disengaging the one or more stabs.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the motor assembly further comprises: a drive motor operatively coupled to a drive shaft, and wherein the drive motor receives the control signal from the pendant and rotates the drive shaft in response to the control signals for extending and retracting the retractable stab assembly.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the motorized control unit further comprises: a lead screw assembly disposed between the drive shaft and the retractable stab assembly, the lead screw assembly including a lead screw adapted to rotate in opposed direction to engage and disengage the one or more stabs.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the drive shaft interfaces with the lead screw for rotating the lead screw in response to the control signals.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the motorized control unit further comprises: a handle selectively attached to an upper portion of the housing.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the motor assembly further comprises: mounting brackets disposed on opposite sides of the motor assembly, each mounting bracket comprising a recess or aperture for selectively attaching the motor assembly to a corresponding adapter on the front of the motorized control unit.
 7. The system of claim 4, wherein the motor assembly comprises: a back plate having a shaft opening adapted to at least partially receiving the drive shaft therethrough, and wherein the shaft opening corresponds with a lead screw opening in the front of the motorized control unit for interfacing the drive shaft to the lead screw.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the back plate includes mounting brackets for selectively attaching the motor assembly to the front of the motor control unit.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the motor assembly further comprises: a power adapter having one or more cables connecting the pendant to the motor assembly.
 10. A motorized control unit for a motor control center comprising: a housing for at least partially enclosing one or more electrical components therein; a retractable stab assembly mounted within the housing and including: a stab housing having one or more stabs extending rearwardly therefrom, the stab housing adapted to slideably engage guide rails within the motorized control unit for extending and retracting the retractable stab assembly; and a lead screw assembly operatively connected to the stab housing and including a lead screw rotatable to extend and retract the retractable stab assembly along the guiderails; and a motor assembly selectively attached to a front of the housing, the motor assembly including: a drive motor operatively coupled to a drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft extends in a rearward direction to engage the lead screw within the housing; and wherein the drive motor is operable to rotate the lead screw, via the drive shaft.
 11. The motor control unit of claim 10, wherein the drive motor rotates the drive shaft in response to control signals from a pendant operatively connected thereto.
 12. The motor control unit of claim 10, wherein the motor assembly further comprises: a handle selectively attached to an upper portion of the motor assembly.
 13. The motor control unit of claim 10, wherein the motor assembly further comprises: mounting brackets on opposed sides of the motor assembly for attaching the motor assembly to the front of the motor control unit.
 14. The motor control unit of claim 13, wherein each mounting bracket comprises a recess for attaching the motor assembly to the front of the motor control unit.
 15. A motor control center comprising: a control center section including one or more compartments having a motorized control unit according to claim 10 at least partially secured therein; and a pendant operatively attached to the motor assembly and configured to transmit control signals to the drive motor for extending and retracting the retractable stab assembly.
 16. The motor control center of claim 15 further comprising: a power bus housing comprising a power bus; and wherein the one or more stabs are adapted to engage the power bus, via rotation of the drive shaft in a first direction, in response to a first control signal.
 17. The motor control center of claim 16, wherein the one or more stabs are adapted to disengage from the power bus, via rotation of the drive shaft in a second direction opposite the first direction, in response to a second control signal.
 18. A method for operating a motorized control unit in a motor control center according to claim 15, comprising the step of: initiating the drive motor, via control signals from the pendant, which causes the drive shaft to rotate in a first direction resulting in the retractable stab assembly extending towards a power bus for engaging the one or more stabs with the power bus.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of initiating the drive motor comprises the step of: shifting a knob of the pendant in a first direction to generate and transmit control signals from the pendant to the motor assembly for engaging the one or more stabs with the power bus.
 20. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of: removing the motor assembly from the motorized control unit upon receiving confirmation from the motorized control unit that the retractable stab assembly is fully extended and the one or more stabs are engaged.
 21. The method of claim 20 further comprising the step of: attaching the motor assembly to the motorized control unit; and rotating the drive shaft in a second opposite or further direction from the first direction which causes the retractable stab assembly to retract away from the power bus to disengage the one or more stabs.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of rotating the drive shaft in the second opposite or further direction is caused by shifting the knob of the pendant in a second direction to generate and transmit control signals for initiating the drive motor to disengage the one or more stabs from the power bus. 